What is the best time to start treating skeletal Class 3 malocclusions? Role of the general dentist. Part 2

May 2, 2021

In this Part 2 of the Q&A with Dr Diane Tay, Sydney Orthodontist Dr Andrew Chang discusses and outlines treatment options for Class 3 based upon the dental developmental stages:

1. Primary
2. Mixed
3. Permanent/adult

And the 12-21 yrs age group whom are generally too late for early orthodontic treatment and their jaw growth is not complete.

Takeaway messages are:

• the 6-8 years age group is better to start early orthodontic treatment
• Early Orthodontic Treatment does reduce the severity of skeletal Class 3's and the incidence of jaw surgery later

For the 12-21 years age group, watch for the long face Class 3's. These are difficult to treat. General strategies are to start later, when their jaw growth is complete. 2 situations of when to treat early in this age group are indicated:

• Accompanying signs of a narrow jaw.
• Signs of traumatic incisor occlusion ie: wear or teeth mobility.